"DocDoc helped me find the right neurologist for my mother.The comprehensive information available online was helpful but the big difference for me was the free conversation I had with the lovely DocDoc doctor who ensured I found the right doctor for my situation. Thanks DocDoc! Well done!"

"I was amazed at how much information the team at DocDoc had collected at their disposal to help me find the right doctor for my family. They saved me hundreds of hours of time and also ensured I got the best price possible for my selected doctor."

What is Pancreatic Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Definition and Overview

Pancreatic cancer is a kind of malignancy arising from the pancreas, an organ found beneath the stomach. This condition is characterised by the uncontrolled growth of pancreatic cells resulting in the formation of mass or tumor, which can invade nearby organs and other parts of the body. Pancreatic cancer is not common and is responsible for approximately 3% of all malignancies in the United States. The disease usually occurs in older patients and is more commonly seen in men than in women.

Pancreatic cancer is difficult to diagnose and is usually in the later stages when discovered. Although pancreatic cancer survival rates have been steadily improving, pancreatic cancer prognosis remains poor with only 5-year survival rate. More than 30,000 people die of pancreatic cancer every year.

This type of cancer can affect either the exocrine pancreas, the portion of the pancreas that produces digestive enzymes or the endocrine pancreas, the portion that produces hormones such as insulin and glucagon. Malignancies of the exocrine pancreas are more common, with the most common type being the pancreatic adenocarcinoma. This accounts for approximately 80-90% of all pancreatic malignancies. Other types of exocrine cancers include acinar cell carcinoma, cystadenocarcinoma, and solid pseudopapillary tumor, to name a few. Neuroendocrine tumors, meanwhile, may be “functioning” and can produce symptoms related to the hormones they produce. These tumors usually have a better survival rate than tumors of the exocrine pancreas.

Pancreatic Cancer Causes

The exact cause of pancreatic cancer remains unknown, although studies have shown that it involves a combination of environmental and genetic factors.

Cigarette smoking is a significant risk factor in the development of pancreatic cancer. Cigars and other tobacco products are also associated with a higher risk of this malignancy. Studies show that smokers have a two-fold increase in risk compared to non-smokers.

Patients with glucose intolerance, diabetes mellitus, and chronic pancreatitis have also been shown to have increased risks of the development of pancreatic cancer. Obesity is another factor associated with this condition.

Patients with a family history of pancreatic cancer, specifically in a first-degree relative, have a higher risk of developing the disease. Certain genetic syndromes, such as Lynch syndrome and multiple endocrine neoplasia or MEN, are also associated with pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms

The initial symptoms of pancreatic cancer are non-specific, which is why it is difficult to diagnose the disease in its early stages. Usual symptoms include nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss, and fatigue.

One of the classic signs of pancreatic cancer is painless jaundice. This occurs when the tumor is located in the head of the pancreas and causes obstruction in the biliary tract. Patients can also present with pruritus or itchiness, and yellowing of the skin and the eyes. Other symptoms include darkening of the urine and changes in stool character, usually becoming lighter in color.

When the tumor is located in other parts of the pancreas, or when the tumor becomes big enough, it can also produce abdominal pain. Abdominal pain may also occur when the tumor spreads or impinges on the nerves near the pancreas. The typical pain caused by pancreatic cancer is located in the epigastric area, often radiating to the back. The pain is usually more evident after eating and at night and may worsen when the person is lying on his back.

Patients with pancreatic cancer may develop signs and symptoms of malabsorption. They may also suffer from diarrhea and greasy stools as well as experience early satiety if the tumor becomes bigger and causes obstruction.

Pancreatic cancer may also present as new-onset diabetes in a previously well, elderly patient. The usual symptoms of diabetes are being thirsty and hungry all the time, and urinating more than normal.

Who to See and Types of Treatments Available

Patients with any of the aforementioned symptoms should seek consult immediately. Your physician might ask you to undergo several blood examinations, particularly tumor markers such as CA 19-9. You may also have to undergo imaging studies, such as an abdominal ultrasound or a triple contrast CT scan in order for the doctor to make an accurate diagnosis. If you are indeed discovered to have a tumor in your pancreas, imaging studies will be able to determine the stage of cancer, and whether the mass can be removed completely through surgery.

Pancreatic cancer stages

Stage 0 – The cancer only affects a single layer of cells in the pancreas

The stage of the disease will determine the treatment. If the mass is found to be resectable, you will be referred to a surgeon. In some centers, a multidisciplinary team manages cases of pancreatic cancer, which include various specialists in surgery, endocrinology, and medical oncology. If you have pancreatic cancer, it is very important to be managed at a large center with expertise in pancreatic surgery and chemotherapy.

Surgery remains to be the main method of treatment for pancreatic cancer. Curative surgery for pancreatic cancer, however, is possible in only about 20% of patients, mostly those who were diagnosed early. For patients with resectable tumors located at the head of the pancreas, a pancreaticoduodenectomy, better known as the Whipple procedure, is performed. In this procedure, the pancreas and its attachments are removed, and the stomach and the cystic duct are connected to the small intestines. For patients with resectable masses located at the tail of the pancreas, a distal pancreatectomy can be done. Chemotherapy is usually given after surgery to minimise the risk of recurrence of the malignancy.

In cases where the mass is too big and is not amenable to excision, palliative surgery may be provided to alleviate or delay the onset of symptoms. Chemotherapy may also be given in order to extend a patient’s lifespan and improve his quality of life. Radiation therapy may also be given. For patients with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, palliative care, with focus on pain control, may also be an option.

Discover the DocDoc Difference

Keep Me Informed

About developments and trends with this topic.

Thank You!

You are signed up to receive email alerts from DocDoc.

"I was amazed at how much information the team at DocDoc had collected at their disposal to help me find the right doctor for my family. They saved me hundreds of hours of time and also ensured I got the best price possible for my selected doctor."

What to know. Who to trust. Before you book.

If you’re considering traveling for medical care, follow these 3 steps Plan your journey based on knowledge, not chance.

STEP 1

Consider

Thinking about medical care abroad? Consider whether you need a partner to achieve the best outcome at the best negotiated price.

What is Medical tourism?

What are the Risk?

Why DocDoc?

STEP 2

Discover

Once you make the decision to travel abroad and select a partner to assure quality and negotiate pricing, discover the options for care available to you.

Steps to set up care abroad

Research your condition or specialty

STEP 3

Engage

Now that you understand your needs, work through your partner to confirm your choice of provider and assure the best possible pricing.

Compare Providers

Work with a medical tourism professional

Discover the DocDoc Difference

A better way to find a doctor

Verified Doctors

Our goal is to give you access to powerful and credible information that is not available anywhere else. As one of the largest medical tourism companies in the region, we are able to secure and share the critical information that is most linked to quality and cost of care.

Guaranteed Best Price

The concern of medical tourists is that a private physician or clinic may charge them more than a local patient. At DocDoc, we believe that it's unfair for a doctor in private practice to discriminate against someone because they are flying overseas for care.

Asia's Largest Physician Network

DocDoc has Asia's largest healthcare physician network with 23,000 doctors, 420 clinics and 55 hospitals from various specialties throughout the region. We’re adding more physicians, clinics and hospitals daily.

A Company that Cares

DocDoc is run by a group of professionals who have been medical tourists. We understand the wants, needs and fears of our patients and are committed to supporting you. We believe that healthcare can and should be safe, transparent, and fair.